Air entrainment device, systems, methods, and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisionalU.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/760,507, filed Nov. 13, 2018. Theprovisional patent application is herein incorporated by reference inits entirety, including without limitation, the specification, claims,and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, appendices, or drawingsthereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of agricultural equipment.More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates tosystems, methods, and/or apparatus for moving particulate material,e.g., seed, from one location to another on, in, and/or around anagricultural implement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Large scale agricultural planters typically include a plurality ofindividual hoppers and seed metering units. During planting, the hopperholds the mass of seed that the planter distributes onto the ground. Themetering units are responsible for delivering the seed to the ground. Asthe planter moves over the planting surface, it is important that themetering units distribute the seed uniformly and at precise intervals toachieve proper spacing of crops. To achieve such a distribution, it isimportant that the supply of seed to the seed meters is steady anduninterrupted.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,448,585 and 9,253,940, both to Wilhelmi et al.,disclose an air entrainment device for seed delivery that utilizes anair permeable surface and are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety. While effective for its purpose of delivering seed, therestill exists some room to make the air entrainment device moreefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of thedisclosed features to overcome the deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage to increase the volumeof particulate material being moved by the system, method, and/orapparatus as disclosed herein.

It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage to include one ormore inserts for use with a device to adjust an amount of flow throughthe device.

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage to allow for theadjustability of the number of row units that can be associated with thesystem, method, and/or apparatus as disclosed herein.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage to provide a system,method, and/or apparatus to be used with a high speed plantingimplement.

It is still yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage to practicemethods which facilitate use, manufacture, assembly, maintenance, andrepair of an air entrainment system accomplishing some or all of thepreviously stated objectives.

The previous objects, features, and/or advantages, as well as thefollowing aspects and/or embodiments, are not exhaustive and do notlimit the overall disclosure. No single embodiment need provide each andevery object, feature, or advantage. Any of the objects, features,advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments disclosed herein can beintegrated with one another, either in full or in part.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a seed deliveryassembly includes a plurality of entrainers operatively connected to oneanother, with each of said entrainers comprising at least one seedentrance, at least one primary fluid path in communication with a fluidsource, wherein a fluid and seed are combined at said at least oneprimary fluid path, at least one bypass path for receiving and directingan amount of the fluid, and at least one outlet. Each of the entrainersinclude a first configuration wherein the at least one outlet comprisesfirst and second outlets and each of the first and second outlets are influid communication with separate row units of a planter, and a secondconfiguration wherein the at least one outlet comprises a single outletin fluid communication with a row unit of a planter.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, each ofthe entrainers comprises a first and a second seed entrance, a first anda second primary fluid path that combines the fluid and seed, and afirst and a second bypass path.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, eachentrainer further comprises a shared inner wall separating the first andsecond seed entrances.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, theshared inner wall includes a removable portion to change between thefirst and second configurations.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, theassembly further comprises a first and second outlet insert positionedat the first and second outlets when the entrainer is in the firstconfiguration, said first and second outlet insert operatively connectedto the separate row units by conduits.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, theassembly further comprises a connector associated with each of theseparate row units.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, theassembly further comprises a single outlet insert positioned at both ofthe first and second outlets when the entrainer is in the secondconfiguration, said single outlet insert operatively connected to thecommon row unit by a conduit.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, theassembly further comprises a bypass insert positioned at least partiallyin the at least one bypass path.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, the atleast one bypass path comprises two paths and the bypass insert ispositioned at a shared inner wall between the two paths.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, thebypass insert includes a variable width to adjust the amount of fluidflow through the two bypass paths.

According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, a seedentrainer comprises at least one seed entrance, at least one primaryfluid path in communication with a fluid source, wherein a fluid andseed are combined at said at least one primary fluid path, at least onebypass path for receiving and directing an amount of the fluid, and atleast one outlet. The entrainer has a first configuration wherein the atleast one outlet comprises first and second outlets and each of thefirst and second outlets are in fluid communication with separate rowunits of a planter, and a second configuration wherein the at least oneoutlet comprises a single outlet in fluid communication with a row unitof a planter.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, theentrainer further comprises a bypass insert positioned in the at leastone bypass path to adjust an amount of fluid passing through the atleast one bypass path.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, the atleast one outlet comprises an outlet insert positioned at or near alocation where the at least one primary path and the at least one bypasspath combine.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, theoutlet insert comprises first and second exits in the firstconfiguration, or a single exit in the second configuration.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, whereinin the second configuration, the outlet has an exit that is larger thanoutlet exits of the first configuration.

According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, a method offor delivering seed from one or more hoppers to a row unit of a planterincluding a plurality of row units comprises delivering seed from theone or more hoppers to a seed entrainer, introducing airflow to the seedentrainer such that a first air stream of the airflow is combined withseed, and a second air stream bypasses the seed, and recombining thefirst and second air streams of the airflow and seed at or near anoutlet. The outlet comprises a first configuration comprising first andsecond outlets and wherein each of the first and second outlets are influid communication with separate row units of a planter, and a secondconfiguration wherein the outlet comprises a single outlet in fluidcommunication with a row unit of a planter.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, themethod further comprises splitting the introduced airflow into a firstand third air streams in the seed entrainer, wherein the first and thirdair streams combine with seed in different channels of the seedentrainer.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, themethod further comprises splitting the introduced airflow into a secondand fourth air streams in the seed entrainer, wherein the second andfourth air streams bypasses seed in different channels of the airentrainer.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, themethod further comprises recombining the first and second air streams ata first exit of the seed entrainer, and the third and fourth air streamsat a second exit of the seed entrainer.

According to some aspects and/or embodiments of the disclosure, themethod further comprises wherein, in the first configuration of theoutlet, the first and second exits are separated to deliver seed todifferent row units, and wherein, in the second configuration, the firstand second exits are combined at the single outlet to deliver seed to asingle row unit.

These and/or other objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/orembodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art afterreviewing the following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a planting implement including the airentrainment assembly.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the planting implement.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the planting implement.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an air seed delivery system including anexemplary hopper and an air entrainment assembly.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram, partly in schematic form, of the airseed delivery system incorporating an air entrainment assembly.

FIG. 8 is a top elevation view of an air entrainment assembly.

FIG. 9 is a view of an enlarged portion of the air entrainment assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an entrainment device of the assemblyas shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an entrainment device according toaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of an entrainment device connected tothe air entrainment assembly.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are inserts for use with one or more air entrainmentdevices.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another air seed delivery systemincluding an exemplary hopper and an air entrainment assembly.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the system of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of an air entrainment assembly for usewith the system of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of an entrainment device according toaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the entrainment device of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are illustrative views of entrainment devicesaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of an air entrainment system.

FIG. 23 is a front view of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a portion of the system of FIG. 22.

Several embodiments which may be practiced are illustrated and describedin detail, wherein like reference characters represent like componentsthroughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplarypurposes and may not be to scale, unless otherwise indicated, and thusproportions of features in the drawings shall not be construed asevidence of actual proportions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions and introductory matters are provided tofacilitate an understanding of the present invention. Unless definedotherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich embodiments of the present invention pertain.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and pluralreferents. The term “or” is synonymous with “and/or” and means any onemember or combination of members of a particular list.

The terms “invention” or “present invention” as used herein are notintended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular inventionbut encompass all possible embodiments as described in the specificationand the claims.

The term “about” as used herein refers to slight variations in numericalquantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. One of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize inadvertent error can occur, forexample, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment orfrom differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.The claims include equivalents to the quantities whether or not modifiedby the term “about.”

The term “configured” describes an apparatus, system, or other structurethat is constructed to perform or capable of performing a particulartask or to adopt a particular configuration. The term “configured” canbe used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as constructed,arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

Terms characterizing a sequential order (e.g., first, second, etc.), aposition (e.g., top, bottom, lateral, medial, forward, aft, etc.),and/or an orientation (e.g., width, length, depth, thickness, vertical,horizontal, etc.) are referenced according to the views presented.Unless context indicates otherwise, these terms are not limiting. Thephysical configuration of an object or combination of objects may changewithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments inwhich the invention may be practiced. These embodiments of the inventionwill be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein likereference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views.These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized, and that mechanical, procedural,and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of theinvention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, end, sides, and the like, arereferenced according to the views presented. It should be understood,however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description andare not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation ofan object or a combination of objects may change without departing fromthe scope of the invention. FIGS. 1-3 disclose use of an exemplaryagricultural implement 10. The agricultural implement 10 as shown in thefigures is a planting implement 10. The implement 10 may be generallyany implement for engaging with the ground or otherwise distributing amaterial, such as a particulate material to the ground. As will beunderstood, the invention relates to ways to distribute material, suchas a particulate material to various ground engaging apparatus to evenlydistribute said particulate material into accurately, efficiently, andin some embodiments at high speed distribute said particulate materialto or in said ground. Furthermore, as will be understood, while theplanting implement 10 as shown in the figures is provided, additionaltypes of implements including additional planting implements withvarious features as is known can utilize the invention and/or aspectsthereof to be able to distribute and apply the particulate material,such as seed, to the ground.

Therefore, the planting implement 10 as shown in the figures includes atongue 12 with a hitch 14 at a first end and a tool bar extendinggenerally transversely to the tongue 12 at a second end. The tool bar 16extends to connect to a plurality of row units 20 which include groundengagement apparatus. As will be disclosed, the row units 20 may alsoinclude additional aspects such as metering elements, singulationelements, ground opening and closing elements, and the like. Theparticular configuration of the row unit is not to be dispositive orlimiting on the invention. However, according to some embodiments therow unit 20 will include a row unit and metering system such asdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/146,536, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, it is to beappreciated that generally other types of row units, ground engagingelements, and/or metering elements can utilize any of the aspects of theinvention disclosed herein. Extending outwardly from the toolbar 16 andalso generally transverse to the tongue 12 are wing elements 17 and 18.The wing elements 17, 18 provide additional width of the toolbar suchthat additional row units 20 can be attached along thereto. This willallow for a greater number of row units 20 to be attached to the toolbarto be used for distributing for a particulate material. Additionalelements show in the figures include draft links 19, which generallyconnect the wings 17, 18 to the tongue 12. One or more actuators can beconnected to the system to provide for the wings 17, 18 to be folded ina generally forward manner wherein they will be somewhat parallel to thetongue 12 to move the planting implement 10 from a field useconfiguration to a row use configuration. However, additional plantingunits may include that the toolbar is lift and rotated, is foldedrearwardly, does not fold at all, or include some sort of combinationthereof. Still further, the figures show the inclusion of hopper 22 inthe form of bulk hoppers. The figures show two hoppers 22 positionedgenerally on the implement 10. As will be understood the hoppers willhold a rather large amount of particulate material that can bedistributed to the row units 20 along the length of the toolbar 16 toapply and/or distribute the particulate material via the row units 20.FIGS. 4-6 show additional elements of an exemplary bulk hopper 22including aspects of the invention. The shape and size of the hopper 22is not dispositive on the invention itself, except for the fact that thehopper 22 will be able to hold an amount of material to be distributedto multiple row units for use therein, with the goal being that thehoppers will not be refilled as often as smaller hoppers potentiallypositioned at each of the individual row units. To aid in distributingthe material from a hopper 22 to a plurality of row units 20, aspects ofthe invention include a seed delivery assembly 30. The seed assembly 30is a fluid driven assembly that includes a plurality of entrainers 40connect to one another. A fluid source 33 is connected to the assembly30, such as at the inlet 32 shown in FIG. 6. The particulate material ofthe hopper 22 will be fed into the plurality of entrainers 40 of theseed deliver 30, and the fluid provided by the fluid source 33 will aidin moving the particulate material from the individual entrainers 40towards the row units 20, where they can be distributed to the ground.

While the invention generally includes the use of a fluid source 33, itis to be appreciated that in some embodiments the fluid source would bea fan or other air source to provide air to move the seeds to the rowunits. However, it should be appreciated that other types of fluidsources, such as those providing a pressurized amount of a fluid can beused to combine with the particulate material of the hopper 22 to bedistributed towards the row units 20 of the planting implement 10.Furthermore, as will be understood, the assembly 30 is positionedgenerally below the hoppers 22 to aid in the use of gravity of theparticulate material to move from the hopper 22 into the entrainers 40of the assembly 30.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic showing a system utilizing concepts ofthe invention. As shown, a bulk hopper 22 is provided and a seeddelivery assembly 30 is positioned generally below the hopper 22. Theassembly 30 includes a plurality of air entrainers 40 connected toanother below the hopper 22 to receive the particulate material from thehopper 22 into the entrainers 40. A fan 43 is connected via a conduit 34to a manifold 33 a and further to the assembly 30 via the inlet 32 of atleast one of the entrainers 40 of the assembly 30. Outlets 48 of theentrainers 40 are connected to row units 20, 20 a, 20 n, etc., viaconduits 35. The conduits 35 may take the form of tubing, hoses or otherconduits which can contain and transfer an amount of particulatematerial and/or fluid between the assembly 30 and the row units.Furthermore, the row units can be numbered generally as need in amounts,and therefore, the designation of 20 n is to designate as many row unitsas are found on a planter or planting implement 10. Furthermore, as isshown in the figure, at least one metering member 24 such as a seedmeter, is positioned at each row unit 20 and includes a seed inlet 26and a seed port 28. The seed port 26 can be connected to the seeddelivery assembly 30 via the conduit 35 with the seed port 28 allowingthe connection and passage of the seed or other particular matter to bedistributed from the assembly 30 to each of the metering members 24 ofeach of the row units 20. Therefore, the seed delivery assembly 30 willbe disclosed in which a novel and unique system will be applied tovarious components thereof, in order to efficiently and accuratelyprovide an on demand amount of seed or other particulate material fromone or more hoppers of an implement to one or more row units, and inparticular, to one or more metering elements of each of the one or morerow units to be distributed, applied, or otherwise delivered via the rowunits to the ground.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an air entrainment or seed delivery assembly 30,according to at least some embodiments of the invention. As noted, theassembly 30 will include an inlet 32 for passing air into the assembly30, wherein the inlet 32 is connect to a fluid source. The assembly 30is comprised of a plurality of entrainers 40, which may also be referredto as entrainment members, segments, or the like. The plurality ofentrainment segments 40 are connected to one another to allow the fluidfrom the inlet 32 to pass through each of the segments 40 to be utilizedto move the particulate material delivered to each of the segments 40from the segments and to the one or more row units of the plantingimplement. Each segment 40 includes an opening at the upper endcomprising a seed entrance 41. Furthermore, each segment 40 is separatedinto first and second sides such that each segment 40 will have a firstseed entrance 41 a and a second seed entrance 41 b, which is separatedby an inner wall 43. Therefore, as will be understood, each segment 40will be utilized to deliver a particulate material, e.g., seed, from thesegment 42 one or multiple row units via each segment 40. This will bedisclosed further and will be able to be understood herein. The seedpasses into the portions the first and second sides of the segments 40via the entrances 41 a, 41 b and is separated by the inner wall 43.Furthermore, each segment is defined by a first outer wall 44 and asecond outer wall 45 to designate and define the boundaries of thesegment 40. Each segment will also include one or two outlets 48 and caninclude an outlet insert 50 which includes seed exits 51 a, and 51 b,which corresponds to the first and second sides of each segment.However, as will be understood, additional outlets can be utilized toprovide for the seed for other particulate material of each segment tobe delivered to one or multiple row units.

FIG. 9 is a view of an enlarged portion of the seed delivery system 30according to some embodiments including aspects of the invention. Asnoted, the entrainer 40 can include an outlet insert 50 positionedgenerally at the outlets 48 a, 48 b, of the entrainer segment 40. Aswill be understood, the outlet insert 50 can vary and direct the seed orother particulate material from the entrainer segment 40 to one or morerow units, such as via the outlet 50. For example, as is shown in FIG.9, the outlet 50 includes first and second seed exits 51 a, and 51 b.The exits 51 a and 51 b can be individually connected to differentmeters and/or different row units such that the seed of the singularentrainer segment 40 can be divided and sent to different locations.However, as will be understood, the exit of the seed from an entrainersegment 40 can be combined and sent to a common location, for instancewith a different outlet insert 80. Additional elements show in FIG. 9include a clean outdoor 70, positioned generally on the underside of anentrainer segment 40. A cleanout door 70 can be rotatably or pivotallyconnected to the entrainer segment 40 such that it is selectivelyconnected to selectively open and/or close the door 70. When opened, theentrainer segment 40 can be cleaned out, such as by gravity or othercleaning methods to remove the remainder of any particulate materialfrom the interior of the entrainer segment 40. It is also included inFIG. 9 and shown by the removal of the cleanout doors 70 a bypass insert60 and another bypass insert 62. As will be understood, each of theentrainer segments 40 include different passages, including, but notlimited to, a main passage for fluid and particulate material, and abypass channel for bypassing an amount of fluid in which the bypassfluid does not immediately interact with a particulate material andinstead recombines with a combined amount of fluid and particulatematerial at or near the outlet 48 of the entrainer segment 40 in orderto increase and/or aid in the movement of the particulate material fromthe entrainer segment 40 and towards the row unit and/or seed meter. Thebypass inserts 60, 62 are shown to be of varying widths, and can beincluded in some embodiments to adjust an amount of airflow passingthrough a bypass channel. This easy inclusion of such an insert 60 or 62can quickly and easily adjust an amount of airflow to account forvarying lengths of conduits extending between a particular entrainersegment 40 and its end-use location, i.e., row unit and/or meteringmember. Therefore, the use of the inserts can be selective when it isdetermined that an amount of air flow to move the particulate materialis needed to be increased and/or decreased, or otherwise regulated andprovides over uses of sleeves in that they are easily included andremoved on an as needed basis. For example, when the length of the hoseis increased, such as when the number of row units and thus the width ofa tool bar is increased, the insert can be included to reduce the bypassair and to increase the amount of air passing through the main passageand into combination with the particulate material. In some implements,the further rows can be approximately 90 feet from a particulateentrainment segment 40, and thus it may require higher amounts of air tobe combined with a particulate material and used to deliver theparticulate material towards the row units at the greater distance.However, when the conduits length is shortened, the inserts may not berequired, and the bypass air can aid in passing and providing an ondemand amount of seed or other particulate material to the row unitsand/or seed meters.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of FIG. 9 showing additional aspectsof the assembly 30. As disclosed, the entrainer segments 40 will includeprimary fluid paths 46 a and 46 b as well as bypass paths or channels 47a, 47 b. These are positioned on opposite sides of the inner wall 43 ofthe entrainer segment. The insert 60 can be positioned generally on theinner wall 43 and can extend into both bypass channels 47 a, 47 b toadjust the amount of airflow passing therethrough. This can also aid inincreasing the air flow by reducing the cross-sectional area of thebypass channels 47 a, 47 b, which work as a sort of nozzle to increaseor decrease the airflow passing before the bypass air recombines withthe air that is passed in the primary fluid channel 46 and has combinedwith an amount of particulate material. Therefore, the width of theinsert 60, 62 can thus vary the amount of air passing through the bypasschannel 47 to increase or possible even block the air from movingthrough the bypass channel. However, the width can be changed as neededto create the nozzle effect as well.

FIG. 10 also shows the cleanout door 70 connected to an entrainersegment 40 via a pivot portion 71 in which the door is able to pivot toopen and close access to an underside of the entrainer segment 40. Thedoor can be selectively closed or opened via a latch or other mechanicalmeans to close and at least partially seal the underside of theentrainer segment 40.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an entrainment device or segment 40according to aspects of the invention. As noted, each entrainer segment40 is generally a first outer wall 44 and a second outer wall 45, andthe interior sections being split with an inner wall 43. The position ofthe inner wall 43 is generally equal distance between the first andsecond walls 44, 45, but this is not necessary, and the first and secondsides of the entrainer device can vary such that the inner wall 43 isoff set to provide one side being larger than the other. The entrainersegment 40 includes a first seed entrance 41 a and second seed entrance41 b on opposite sides of the inner wall 43. As noted, seed can be feedto the entrainment 40, such as via gravity from the hopper 22 and intothe entrances 41 a, 41 b. Air other fluids can enter the entrainmentsegment 40 via the entrance 42, which is generally transvers to the seedentrances 41. As noted, the segments 40 are connected to have generallycommon or aligned fluid inlets 42, and as will be understood, the fluidcan be dispersed into the individual entrainment segments 40, such asmoving in a perpendicular or otherwise transvers direction into theinterior of the segment 40, as will be understood. A door 70 ispositioned at an underside of the entrainer segment 40 to provide closerthereat. Furthermore, the entrainment segment 40 as shown in FIG. 11includes an outlet insert 50 positioned generally at the outlets 48 ofthe entrainer segment 40. The outlet insert can be positioned at theoutlet to provide connection to one or more row units and/or meteringunits to provide an amount of on demand particulate material from theentrainment segment 40. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11,the outlet insert 50 includes to exits 51 a and 51 b. Each of the exits51 a and 51 b can be connected to different or common metering membersand/or elements of row units of an implement 10. Therefore, the use ofmultiple exits 51 a and 51 b provide for flexibility to have oneentrainer segment 40 be used to feed or otherwise provide an on demandamount of particulate material to multiple and uses. The insert 50 canbe connected to the entrainer segment, which will be understood, at apivot connection 58 at a lower end, wherein the insert 50 can be pivotedto selectively be connected to the particular entrainer segment 40.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the entrainer segment 40. As noted, theentrainer segment includes outer walls 44 and 45. Each of the wallsincludes apertures for the fluid or air inlet 42. An inner wall 43bisects the interior between the walls 44, 45 to provide first andsecond cavities for seed entrances 41 a, 41 b. The seed can therefore bedispensed into the entrances 41 a and 41 b onto a seed inlet wall 56 aand 56 b. The wall 56 a and 56 b separates the seed from a primary fluidpath 46 a and 46 b. The primary fluid path 46, as will be understood,receives air from the air inlet 42 and directs the air via a primarypath wall 57 a, 57 b to interact with an amount of particulate materialand to combine the fluid and the material to direct the combined fluidand material towards one or more outlets 48 a, 48 b. A second fluidpath, which may be referred to as a bypass path 47 a, 47 b arepositioned generally and at least partially below the primary path walls57 a and 57 b. The bypass path and channel allow for a separated amountof air or other fluid to be directed in a path that does not directlycombine with the particulate material in the entrance 41 of theentrainer segment 40. The air or other fluid in the bypass 47 a, 47 bwill be directed around the primary path and will be recombined with thecombination of the primary fluid and a particulate material at or nearthe outlets 48 a and 48 b of the entrainer segments 40. The primary andbypass airs and the material combination will then be directed via theoutlets 48 a, 48 b into the outlet inserts 50. The exits 51 a and 51 bof the insert 50 will direct the combined fluid and the particulatematerial combination towards the end uses, which may be row units,metering members, or the like, on and on demand and needed basis. Asshown in FIG. 12, the insert 50 includes two exits 51 a and 51 b suchthat the singular entrainer segment 40 can be utilized to direct theparticulate material to two different end uses via the conduitsconnected to the exits 51 a and 51 b. Additional elements shown in FIG.12 include an outlet partition 55, which separates the outlet 48 a, 48 bof the entrainer segment 40. The partition 55 aids with the dual exits51 a and 51 b of the insert 50 to direct the combined seed and airtowards different end uses. Furthermore, the outlet insert 50 can beconnected to the entrainment segment 40 via a pivot connection 58 whichincludes portions 58 a and 58 b, and a connector lip 52 on the insertsand an edge 53 of the segment. However, it should be appreciated thatthe insert 50 can be attached in other manners as well.

FIG. 13 is a side section view of an entrainment device 40 connected tothe assembly 30 and hopper 22 thereof. The Figure shows one side of anentrainer segment 40 such that the figure shows the inner wall 43 at theseed entrance or particulate matter entrance 41. As noted, theparticulate matter will enter the entrainer segment 40 via gravity at ornear the entrance 41 and can rest or pool temporarily at the wall 56.Air or other fluid enters the entrainment segment 40 via the air inlet42, where it will be separated into the primary fluid path 46 and thebypass path 47. As shown in FIG. 13, the air moves in the direction ofthe arrow 64 into the primary fluid path 46 and in the direction of thearrow 66 into the bypass path 47. The arrow or the fluid of the primaryfluid 46 will combine with the particulate material that has pooled inthe seed entrance 41 and will continue in the direction of the arrow 67towards the outlet 48. The arrow 67 will include a combination of theparticulate material and the air of the primary path. The air in thebypass path 66 will continue as well towards the outlet 48 and caninteract the insert 60 which may be positioned at least partially in thebypass path 47. As noted, the insert 60 can be included to adjust theamount of airflow passing therethrough and can increase and/or decreasethe air flow passing through the bypass path before it combines with thecombination of the primary air and the particulate material. The bypassair will then continue towards the outlet 48 where it will be combinedwith the combination of the primary air and the particulate material andwill be directed in the direction of the arrow 69 out the outlet 48 andinto the outlet insert 50. The seed will then be delivered via theinsert 50 and via the exit 51 of the insert 50 and towards the end use,such as via a conduit towards the row unit and/or metering memberthereof. As noted, the outlet insert 50 can be connected to theentrainment device 40 via a pivot point 58 and a lift and channelconnection 52, 53.

Furthermore, the insert 60 or insert 62 can be positioned generally atthe inner wall 53 and extending into the bypass path 47. Exemplaryembodiments of different sizes of inserts are shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b. FIG. 14a is generally narrower or less wide insert, and 60 is thewider insert. Each of the inserts 60, 62 include tab 63 which can attachand temporarily adhere or otherwise be connected to the inner wall 53within the bypass path 47. The insert is shaped to fit within the bypasspath and includes a beveled portion 61 which utilizes the force of thefluid itself to aid and preventing or otherwise mitigating movement ofthe insert 60, 62 while in the bypass fluid path.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are additional embodiments of a seed delivery assembly30 including a plurality of entrainer segments 40 for use with one ormore hoppers 22. The entrainers 40 are generally similar to or the sameas those previously disclosed and described, with the exception of adifferent outlet insert 80. As will be understood, the outlet insert 80shown in the figures will combine both sides of an entrainer segment 42increase the amount combine both sides of the entrainer segment 40 todirect the particulate material to both sides to a common end use suchas a row unit, metering member or otherwise ground engaging element.This will generally increase the amount of material to meet volumerequirements, such as when planting at higher speeds (e.g. speeds higherthan 8 mph). This can also increase the population planting bydelivering more material to row units or other end use locations, suchas providing above 100 seeds per second and up to and increasing over200 seeds per second. The larger nozzle size of the exits 81 of theinsert 80 allows for more than double the capacity of seed to bedelivered with comparison to the individual exits Ma, 51 b of the insert50.

Therefore, FIG. 17 is a top view of an assembly 30 including a pluralityof an entrainer segments 40 connected to one another. As noted, thesegments are similar in which they have shared air inlets to receive airfrom the inlet 32. The segments 40 are divided into two sections stilland included inner wall 43 bisecting outer walls 44 and 45. Furthermorethe segments 40 include entrances 41 a and 41 b to receive seed or otherparticulate material from the hopper 22. However, as is shown in FIG.17, the outlet insert 80 includes a single exit 81 for use with bothsides 41 a and 41 b of the segment 40 to direct the particulate materialto a common end use.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of an entrainment segment 40 according toaspects of the invention. Again, the makeup of the entrainer segment 40is similar to that previously disclosed and will not be redisclosedherein. The segment has been disclosed with respect to FIG. 12, andtherefore the components would be similar to or the same as thatpreviously disclosed. However, it is noted that the insert 80interacting with the outlets 48 a and 48 b is different than the outletinsert 50. As noted, the outlet insert 80 includes a single seed exit81. This will allow the connection via the exit 81 to a conduit or otherdevice to deliver seed to a singular end use location such as a row unitor metering member. The seed of each side of the entrainer 40 iscombined generally at or near the outlets 48 a and 48 b to be directedvia the singular exit 81. In some instances, the partition 55 can bebored out or otherwise physically removed to provide for a common outlet48 to receive the particulate material and fluid from each side of theentrainer segment 40. According to other embodiments, the partition 55is a modular piece, which can be selectively removed when selectingbetween a single exit, such as shown in FIG. 18 and a dual or multiexit, such as shown in FIG. 12. In either case, the entrainer segment 40will operate generally the same to receive seed on either sides of thewall 43, and to have the primary and bypass paths wherein the primaryfluid path interacts with a pool or particulate material at or near theentrance 41 wherein the combination of the primary fluid and theparticulate material is recombined with the bypass fluid at or near theoutlet 48 before being directed via the exit 81 and insert 80.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the entrainment device 40 of FIG. 18and shows the fluid paths thereof. As noted, the arrow 68 provides thedirection of the combined air and seed of the entrainment device 40wherein the combination is recombined at or near the outlet 48 beforebeing directed out the exit 81 of the insert 80. FIG. 20 is a sidesection view of FIG. 19 wherein the partition 55 at the outlet 48 hasbeen removed to combine the outlets 48 a and 48 b to a singular outletbefore entering the outlet insert 80. In this manner, the entrainersegment 40 will operate in generally the same manner to separate the airfrom the insert 42 into primary and bypass channels and the primary airwill combine with the seed pooled at the entrance 41 and the combinedair and primary fluid will recombine with the bypass fluid near theoutlet 48. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the outlet 48 isnot segmented via a partition, and is generally a common area from bothsides of the entrainer segment 40 to be combined before exiting at theinert 80 via the seed exit 81. However, the entrainer segment 40 canstill include either of the inserts 60 or 62, or does not require aninsert, depending on the amount of air flow desired to aid in moving theparticulate material to the in use location.

FIGS. 21a and 21b are illustrative use of entrainment devices 40according to aspects. As shown in FIG. 21a , the insert 50 includes dualexits 51 a and 51 b. The embodiments shown in FIG. 21b includes theinsert 80 with a singular exit 81. As noted, the remainder of theentrainer segment 40 will generally be the same, with the differencebeing in FIG. 21b , the outlet 48 will be adjusted such that there willbe no or a reduced partition 55 separating the outlets on the other sideof the segment 40 such that the seed from both sides are combined beforeexiting via the exit 81. In FIG. 21a , the partition 55 will remain suchthat seed from each side is exited via the exits 51 a and 51 b.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of an entrainment system 30 and includes theinsert 50 with the dual exits 51 a and 51 b. As understood, the exits 51a are towards the rear of the assembly 30 to be delivered to and uselocations, which may include row units, metering members, groundengaging elements, or some combination thereof. FIG. 23 is anotherillustrative view of the bottom side of an assembly 30. FIG. 24 is aside elevation view of FIG. 22 showing an end of the assembly 30. Theend of the assembly 30 is not the fluid entrance side, as there is noentrance shown into the plurality of segments 40. As noted, the seedwill pass into the segments and the air will direct and combine with theseed to direct the combined air and seed out the segments and via theinsert 50 by way of the exit 51 towards a row unit 20 or other end useapplication, such as via a conduit 35.

Finally, FIG. 25 is another exemplary embodiment of the assembly 30showing the plurality of segments with the insert 50 attached thereto.

Additional advantages of the systems, methods, and/or apparatus shownand described herein should be apparent to those skilled in the art. Forexample, according to some exemplary embodiments, the entrainment systemcould be operated in different manners. Consider a 12-row planter, butan entrainment system having 24 entrainer units bundled together. Someembodiments may consider the configuration shown in FIG. 18, where thereis a single output/outlet, and with or without the wall/partition 55.Other embodiments may consider the embodiment of FIG. 12, and only usingone of the sides of the entrainer. However, additional aspects and/orembodiments may include the configuration shown in FIG. 12, but with thepartition 55 removed. This would open up both sides of the entrainer toreceive seed and to be distributed. One of the outlets would be capped,as there are fewer connections to row units than entrainer units.However, removing the partition 55 would allow for cleanout of both theentrainers, as well as the hoppers feeding the entrainers. The seed fromeither entrainer section (e.g., 41A or 41B) could be directed to thesole outlet and communicated to the corresponding row unit, which wouldensure that all of the seed from both sides of the wall 43 in theentrainer 40 is cleaned out. It would also allow all of the seed fromthe hoppers to be added to the entrainers, which cleans out both thehoppers and the entrainers. Thus, any of the configurations areconsidered to be part of the invention.

Therefore, in seed delivery assembly has been shown and described whichincludes variations to account for flexibility for an on demand ofparticulate material from one or more bulk hoppers to one or more enduse locations, such as row units, metering members, or other groundengaging elements. The flexibility of the seed delivery assembly 30shown and described provides numerous advantages. For example, theflexibility of using a singular entrainer 40 to provide the on demandmaterial for one or two row units allows for flexibility of the planterin different settings and to provide a more modular type deliverysystem. For example, the use of multiple exits at the singular entrainerallows for a planter with more end uses to be utilized with the deliverysystem. However, when increased amounts of material is to be required,the assembly is not needed to be swapped out, and instead, the insertcan be adjusted to provide for varying amounts of material to bedelivered via the entrainer segments 40 to the end-use locations.Therefore, the units could be the sides of the entrainer segments 40could be used together to meet volume requirements, such as for highspeed planting or for planting higher populations of seed or certainseed types. The combined sides of the segments can more than double theamount of material that can be provided to meet such higher volumerequirements such that the bigger diameter exit allows for more thandouble the capacity than the two smaller segments combined together.Furthermore, the use of one or more inserts in the bypass channels inthe entrainer segments allows for an adjustable amount of airflow to beprovided to account for differing lengths of hoses from generallycentrally located air seed delivery system to the row units positionedalong the toolbar of the implement. The varying width of the inserts inthe bypass channels will allow for adjustable amount of airflow (i.e.,adjusts bypass airflow ratio) accounting for the movement of theparticulate material to the row units spaced generally along and awayfrom the centrally located seed delivery system.

Thus, a seed delivery system has been shown and described. It is to beappreciated that varying aspects of the invention are to be consideredpart of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated thatindividual components of the figures shown and described herein can becombined with other figures in such way that may not be explicitly shownin the figures to provide for additional aspects and/or embodiments ofthe seed delivery system and/or components thereof. Such changes will beobvious to those in the art and are to be considered to be part of thepresent disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A seed delivery assembly, comprising: aplurality of entrainers operatively connected to one another, each ofsaid entrainers comprising: at least one seed entrance; at least oneprimary fluid path in communication with a fluid source, wherein a fluidand seed are combined at said at least one primary fluid path; at leastone bypass path for receiving and directing an amount of the fluid; andat least one outlet; wherein each of the entrainers include: a firstconfiguration wherein the at least one outlet comprises first and secondoutlets and each of the first and second outlets are in fluidcommunication with separate row units of a planter, and a secondconfiguration wherein the at least one outlet comprises a single outletin fluid communication with a row unit of a planter.
 2. The seeddelivery assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the entrainers comprises:a first and a second seed entrance; a first and a second primary fluidpath that combines the fluid and seed; and a first and a second bypasspath.
 3. The seed delivery device of claim 2, wherein each entrainerfurther comprises: a shared inner wall separating the first and secondseed entrances.
 4. The seed delivery device of claim 3, wherein theshared inner wall includes a removable portion to change between thefirst and second configurations.
 5. The seed delivery device of claim 1,further comprising a first and second outlet insert positioned at thefirst and second outlets when the entrainer is in the firstconfiguration, said first and second outlet insert operatively connectedto the separate row units by conduits.
 6. The seed delivery device ofclaim 5, further comprising a connector associated with each of theseparate row units.
 7. The seed delivery device of claim 1, furthercomprising a single outlet insert positioned at both of the first andsecond outlets when the entrainer is in the second configuration, saidsingle outlet insert operatively connected to the common row unit by aconduit.
 8. The seed delivery device of claim 1, further comprising abypass insert positioned at least partially in the at least one bypasspath.
 9. The seed delivery device of claim 8, wherein the at least onebypass path comprises two paths and the bypass insert is positioned at ashared inner wall between the two paths.
 10. The seed delivery device ofclaim 9, wherein the bypass insert includes a variable width to adjustthe amount of fluid flow through the two bypass paths.
 11. A seedentrainer for planting or distributing seed, comprising: at least oneseed entrance; at least one primary fluid path in communication with afluid source, wherein a fluid and seed are combined at said at least oneprimary fluid path; at least one bypass path for receiving and directingan amount of the fluid; and at least one outlet; wherein said entrainerhaving: a first configuration wherein the at least one outlet comprisesfirst and second outlets and each of the first and second outlets are influid communication with separate row units of a planter, and a secondconfiguration wherein the at least one outlet comprises a single outletin fluid communication with a row unit of a planter.
 12. The seedentrainer of claim 11, further comprising a bypass insert positioned inthe at least one bypass path to adjust an amount of fluid passingthrough the at least one bypass path.
 13. The seed entrainer of claim11, wherein the at least one outlet comprises an outlet insertpositioned at or near a location where the at least one primary path andthe at least one bypass path combine.
 14. The seed entrainer of claim13, wherein the outlet insert comprises first and second exits in thefirst configuration, or a single exit in the second configuration. 15.The seed entrainer of claim 11, wherein in the second configuration, theoutlet has an exit that is larger than outlet exits of the firstconfiguration.